Simultaneous Display of Two or More Different Sequentially Processed Images

ABSTRACT

A medical imaging system having a processor with software executing thereon is provided for processing and display of multiple bandwidths of video in multiple display areas. The system receives a video signal with a plurality of portions and generates at least two signals there from. Each of the two signals has a bandwidth for display in a different display area. The two signals are updated so that each component displays a different portion of the input video signal, and the two signals may be combined for display on a single display device having two display areas.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to image capture, processing and display devices, and more particularly medical imaging and devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During medical procedures, endoscopes and other imaging devices are used to perform minimally invasive surgery and diagnostics. These imaging devices typically use a broad band light source to illuminate the tissue inside a cavity so that an image sensor can capture the reflected light and send a signal to a processor for display.

A difficulty with the use of a white light or wide band light source is that hemoglobin absorbs the majority of optical light, and the penetration depth of light is closely related to the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin. In the visible spectrum, hemoglobin shows the highest absorption of blue (˜410-440 nm) and green (˜530-580 nm) wavelength regions. Therefore, optical information obtained in the blue and green spectral region can discriminate hemoglobin concentration in an optimal way. Due to the short penetration depth of blue light (˜1 mm), intermediate penetration depth of green light (˜3 mm) and high penetration depth of red light (˜5 mm), the tissue structures near the surface are easily identified, but information in the red spectral region cannot be easily obtained due to the high penetration depth.

There are some known imaging systems that are capable of reducing the contribution of the red light region to a displayed image. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,151 to Fengler et al. discloses a system for performing short wavelength imaging with a broadband illumination source and includes an image processor that receives signals from a color image sensor. The image processor reduces the contribution of red illumination light to an image by computing blue, green, and blue-green (cyan) color components of display pixels from the signals received from the image sensor. The blue, green, and cyan color component values are coupled to inputs of a color monitor for display to produce a false-color image of the tissue.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,388 to Cooper et al. discloses a color video endoscope system having a light source and a solid state image sensor that transmits a signal to a video processor that converts the signal from the image sensor into a composite RGB video signal. This RGB signal is received by the video processor and the signal is filtered electronically to vary the color image. Cooper discloses a number of potentiometers that allow the user to select and change red, green and blue gains applied to the signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,705 to Krauter discloses a video colposcope with a microcomputer having algorithms for color balance. A video camera obtains an electronic image. A CCD sensor converts an image into an analog electrical signal which is amplified and digitized. Using an algorithm-driven digital signal processing circuitry, color saturation, hue and intensity levels of the electronic image are modified according to the DSP reference filter algorithm.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,086 to Ozawa discloses a system for displaying a false-color image with reduced red component. The red, green and blue (“RGB”) signals are cyclically and sequentially read from a frame memory, and the frames are used to generate a digital video signal for display. The RGB components are emitted from the distal end face of a light guide and these RGB signals are sequentially and cyclically focused on the light receiving surface of a CCD image sensor. These RGB signals are then sequentially used to update a display or display memory. Optionally, the red component may be reduced by a switching circuit to display a false-color image.

Current systems synchronize the display of wide band and narrow band images. When the wide and narrow band images are both displayed on a monitor using a split screen, or on two monitors, the images are updated at the same time. Further, the required resolution for medical imaging devices may be rather high. Fengler appears to disclose that the wide band and narrow band images can be displayed at the same time, but the processor would need sufficient processing speed to accomplish this task.

Cooper appears to disclose a processor including a series of potentiometers that modify the RGB signal in a way that would allow for the elimination of the red component. These potentiometers allow for an adjustable filter that may be set or checked at the beginning of each procedure

Ozawa appears to disclose cyclically and sequentially reading image signals. However, wide and narrow band display regions are updated at the same time. Thus if one were to display both wide band and narrow band images on a split screen or two separate monitors, both the wide band and narrow band images would be updated simultaneously.

Improved visualization techniques can be used to provide a system that uses less processing power for the same resolution. Likewise, a higher resolution may be obtained with reduced processing power requirements in comparison to prior art systems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for display of wide and narrow band images that uses a cost effective processing technology.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system that can primarily display information obtained from the blue and green wavelength regions that suppresses the red region while reducing the required processing power in comparison to prior art systems.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an imaging system with sufficient visibility of wide band and narrow band images with reduced hardware costs.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a narrow band imaging system that offers simplified settings for display of narrow band images.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system with enhanced resolution without an increase in processing power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects are achieved by providing a medical imaging system having a processor for receiving a video signal having a plurality of portions. A first signal is generated according to a first signal processing mode, such as a first bandwidth. The first signal is generated by the processor from a first one of the plurality of portions of the video signal. A second signal is generated according to a second signal processing mode, such as a second bandwidth. The second signal is generated by the processor from a second one of the plurality of portions of the video signal. The processor alternately updates the first and second signals with portions of the video signal, the first and second signals each updated from a different one of the plurality of portions of the video signal. The first signal is for display in a first display area, the second signal is for display in a second display area.

The processor can combine the first and second signals for display on one display having the first and second display areas. The first and second display areas can also be on a two separate monitors. The first and second display areas can be configured as a picture-in-picture display.

The imaging system can include an interface provided by software executing on the processor. At least one bandwidth selection is received by the interface, the bandwidth selection indicative of at least one of the first and second bandwidths.

In one aspect, one of the first and second signals is updated with one of the portions of the video signal to create an updated signal. A previously updated one of the first and second signals is for display at the same time as the updated signal, the updated signal and the previously updated signal for display in different display areas.

Other objects are achieved by providing a medical imaging system having at least one input module having a processor. A video signal is received by each of the input modules. A processed video signal is generated by each of the input modules from each of the video signals, and the processed video signal has a plurality of portions. A control module having a processor receives each of the processed video signals. A first signal is generated according to a first signal processing mode, such as a first bandwidth. The first signal is generated by the processor of the control module from a first one of the plurality of portions of the processed video signal. A second signal is generated according to a second signal processing mode, such as a second bandwidth. The second signal is generated by the processor of the control module from a second one of the plurality of portions of the processed video signal. The processor of the control module alternately updates the first and second signals with portions of the processed video signal, the first and second signals are each updated from a different one of the plurality of portions of the video signal. The first signal is for display in a first display area, the second signal is for display in a second display area.

The processor of the control module can combine the first and second signals for display on one display having the first and second display areas. The first and second display areas can also be on a single monitor. The first and second display areas can be configured as a picture-in-picture display.

The imaging system can include an interface provided by software executing on the processor of the control module. At least one bandwidth selection is received by the interface, the bandwidth selection indicative of at least one of the first and second bandwidths.

In one aspect, the first and second signals are updated with one of the portions of the video signal to create an updated signal. A previously updated one of the first and second signals is for display at the same time as the updated signal, the updated signal and the previously updated signal for display in different display areas.

In another aspect at least a first and a second video signal are received by the processor. The processor generates first and second signals from each of the first and second video signals. Each of the first signals are respectively for display in first and third display areas. Each of the second signals are respectively for display in second and fourth display areas. The first and third display areas are for display of the first bandwidth, the second and fourth display areas for display of the second bandwidth.

Other objects are achieved by providing a medical imaging system having a processor receiving an input video signal having a plurality of portions. An output video signal is generated by the processor from the output video signal. A plurality of components of the output video signal are generated in an order by the processor. Each component is generated according to one of a plurality of bandwidths. Each one of the plurality of components is generated by the processor from a different one of the plurality of portions of the input video signal. Each component of the output video signal is updated by the processor with portions of said input video signal according to the order. Each one of the plurality of components is for display in one of a plurality of display areas.

The plurality of components can be for display on a single display device or a single monitor.

The system can include an interface provided by software executing on the processor. At least one bandwidth selection is received by the interface, the bandwidth selection is indicative of at least one the first and second bandwidths.

Further, one of the components of the output video signal can be updated with one of the portions of the input video signal to create an updated component. A previously updated component of the output video signal can be included in the output video signal for display at the same time as the updated component, where the updated component and the previously updated component are for display in different display areas.

Each portion of the input video signal can have red, green and blue color components. Other color combinations are possible, and may depend on the camera sensor. For example, a CMYG sensor can be used in the camera, and the corresponding components can be reduced or enhanced depending on filter characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the medical imaging system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is another schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is another schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is another schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views of prior art medical imaging systems.

FIGS. 3A-3D are yet other schematic views of a medical imaging system of FIG. 1A according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the output signal generation shown in FIGS. 1B, 1D and 3A, 3C.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the generation of two signals as shown in FIGS. 1A, 10 and 3B, 3D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a medical imaging system having an image capture device or camera, such as an endoscope 2. A light source 22 illuminates the body cavity where the endoscope 2 is inserted. The light source 22 will typically be a broad band or white light source. The endoscope 2 produces a video signal 20, and the video signal has a plurality of portions, etc. The video signal may come to the processor already divided into the plurality of portions. Alternately, the processor 4 can divide the video signal into the portions for processing and display. The processor 4 can exist on a camera control unit or other imaging system. The video signal 20 is processed according to a pattern where different portions of the video signal 20 are processed according to one or more signal processing modes, for example the video signal may be processed according to different bandwidth selections. The selections 60 are received by the processor. These selections 60 can indicate, for example, different signal processing modes such as bandwidth ranges. For example, if it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the red component, a selection of the appropriate bandwidths can be received through an interface 6. The interface may exist on a separate device, such as a computer or wireless device. The interface may also be part of a camera control unit or imaging system having the processor 4.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the selection 60 results in two bandwidth ranges 462, 502 that are used to process the portions of the video signal 20. Each bandwidth range 462, 502 of the video signal forms a signal 46, 50. The signals 46, 50 are alternately updated 48 for display on monitors 8 and 8′ having display areas 80, 82.

FIG. 1B shows one aspect where the signals 46, 50 are displayed on a single monitor 8 having two display areas 80, 82. Also shown, signals 46 and 50 are combined to form an output video signal 400 for display on the monitor 8.

FIG. 10 shows another aspect of FIG. 1A where each signal 46, 50 is processed according to a signal mode 462′ and 502′. FIG. 1D shows another aspect of FIG. 1B where each signal 46, 50 is processed according to a signal mode 462′ and 502′. It is contemplated that the signal mode can include many different image modification, formatting, filtering and processing techniques. These signal modes will modify the incoming signal, for example, to enhance those aspects or structures that are important to be able to see during a procedure. Optionally, aspects or structures that are less important to see during a procedure are suppressed. Some signal processing modes include a bandwidth selection as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Other signal processing modes may include, for example, edge enhancement, image sharpening or others. Combinations of signal modes are contemplated. For example, a bandwidth mode for signal 46 and an edge enhancement mode may be used for signal 50. Other combinations and permutations are contemplated.

FIG. 2A shows a prior art imaging system with an endoscope 21 having a light source 1. A signal 10 produced by the endoscope 21 includes red 101, green 103 and blue 105 components. A processor 121 computes the signal 10 to reduce the red component 141. This computed image signal 181 is sent to a display memory 161.

FIG. 2B shows another prior art imaging system with an endoscope 21 having a light source 1. A signal 10 produced by the endoscope 21 includes red, green and blue components. A processor 121 creates a white light image signal 183 and a computed image signal 181. The signals 183 and 181 are sent to a display 3, with two display areas 31, 33. As shown in the figures, the white light image signal 183 and the computed image signal 181 are both produced from the same part of the image signal.

FIG. 3A shows another embodiment of the imaging system of the present invention. In this case, multiple image capture devices, such as endoscopes 2, 2′ are each connected to an input module 2000, 2000′. The input modules each have a processor 2002, 2002′. Each input module receives a video signal 20, 20′ from the endoscope. The input module processes the video signal 20, 20′ to create a processed video signal 2020, 2020′. The control module receives the processed video signals and generates an output video signal 4000, which is formatted 4042 for display. Additional processing can take place after the alternate updating or after the generation of the output video signal. The formatting 4042 can prepare the signal(s) for the appropriate display, for example DVI, VGA, S-Video, Composite, 3G-SDI. In some areas, digital video formats and standards are currently being developed and adopted. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is typically in the business of defining and adopting voluminous digital video formal standards. As each is adopted, various applications and application improvements generally will also be realized. Some digital video standards currently in use are: IEEE-1394 FireWire®, ISO/IEC IS 13818, International Standard (1994), MPEG-2, and ITU-R BT.601-4 (1994) Encoding Parameters of Digital Television for Studios.

FIG. 3B shows another aspect of the imaging system of the present invention that is similar to FIG. 3A. In this case, the two signals 4110 and 4120 are not combined into a single output signal and the signals 4110 and 4120 are separately sent to displays 8000, 8000′. It should be understood that various combinations of combined or un-combined signals are possible, for example, a video signal 20 may be processed into two signals that are combined to an output video signal, and video signal 20′ may be processed into two signals that are not combined and are displayed on separate monitors.

FIGS. 3C and 3D show other aspects where signal modes 4130′ and 4140′ are used to generate the signals 4110 and 4120. As previously discussed, the signal modes may be bandwidth selections, for example. Other signal modes as discussed herein are contemplated.

The control module can format 4042 the signals and/or the output video signal for display. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the two signals 4110 and 4120 are generated from different portions of each of the processed video signals 2020, 2020′. Each of the two signals 4110, 4120 is processed according to a bandwidth 4130, 4140. FIGS. 3C and 3D show a similar system where the two signals are processed according to a signal processing mode 4130′, 4140′. The output video signal 4000 is alternately updated 4048 with the two signals 4110, 4120 so that the display areas 8002 display different portions of the processed video signal 2020. Other embodiments can include more than two signals, where each signal is processed according to a bandwidth and each of the signals is updated according to an order. For example, if there are three signals, the update order could be update signal 1, update signal 2, update signal 3, repeat. Other orders are envisioned and this example should not be seen as limiting. However, in many cases each of the updates is taken from a different portion of the processed video signal. The example of the order can apply to an imaging system that does not use an input and control module configuration, similar to the system shown in FIG. 1A.

The bandwidths 4130 and 4140 can be selected through an interface 6′ that can receive multiple selections 60′. Signal processing modes 4130′ and 4140′ can also be selected through the interface 6′. The selections 60′ may indicate the bandwidth selections or the processing mode selection for processing and display, and these selections are received by the processor. Although two bandwidths 4130, 4140 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, more than two bandwidths may be selected. The same is true for the two signal processing modes 4130′ and 4140′ shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. The interface 6′ can also select different numbers of bandwidths or signal processing modes for each camera. As an example, the video signal 20 from endoscope 2 can be displayed in two display areas each with a different bandwidth, and the video signal 20′ of endoscope 2′ can be displayed in four display areas, each with a different bandwidth. Therefore, the interface is configured to allow selections specific to each endoscope. The interface can be configured to have a number of pre-set filter characteristics that adjust the red, green and/or blue components of the video signal. There is also an option for customized settings that would allow settings to be adjusted depending on the specific needs of the physician. For example, customized filter settings. The interface may also be arranged to allow modification to filter characteristics or signal processing modes during a medical procedure to modify the resulting image in a customized way.

In the case of two cameras and two bandwidth selections, there would be four display areas used. The system can combine all four components generated from the video signals for display on a single monitor. Alternately, each camera can be associated with a particular monitor, with each monitor displaying the selected components or signals.

Each of FIGS. 1A-D and 3A-D show an imaging system that generates two signals or components for each camera, each with a different bandwidth. It may be desirable to generate more than two signals or components for each camera. In this case, the interface 6 would receive more than two selections 60. The system may also be programmed with multiple signal processing modes and more than two filter or bandwidth ranges. Each selection would indicate a particular bandwidth or range of bandwidths for use in generating a signal or component of an output video signal. Each signal or component would be generated from a different portion of the video signal or processed video signal, and each signal or component would be associated with a display area. The interface may be, for example, a touch screen, computer interface, buttons, switches, knobs, software or other mechanical, electrical and digital systems that may allow for human interaction with the system to set the parameters of the signal processing mode. It is also understood that a single signal processing mode may be selected for the one of the signals (or components thereof) where the other signal (or component thereof) is processed without modifying the content of the displayed signal. For example, when a bandwidth selection is received, the color components are modified to reduce or enhance a particular color or colors. If not processed according to a signal processing mode in the example of one signal being in false color mode, the other signal could be displayed with no color modification. Similar scenarios are contemplated with other processing modes discussed herein.

It is contemplated that mixtures of combined and uncombined signals can be displayed. For example endoscope 2 can have two signals generated, each with a bandwidth or signal processing mode. The signals of endoscope 2 are then combined for display on a single monitor having two areas. Endoscope 2′ can have two signals generated, each with a bandwidth. The two signals can then be displayed on two separate monitors. Thus in the present example, there would be 3 monitors for a total of 4 display areas. Other combinations are contemplated.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an output video signal having two components alternately updated for display where the signal processing mode is a false-color image having a bandwidth selection. The first portion of the video signal 2100 is processed according to a first bandwidth range 4100, to generate a first component 4101 of a first portion of the output video signal 4001. The second component 4102 of the first portion of the output video signal 4001 as shown is generated from portion 0. Since portion 0 may not contain data, the first portion of the output video signal 4001 may only have one of the display areas showing content. As shown, the first portion of the output video signal 4001 is displayed 8100 on a monitor.

The second portion 2200 of the video signal is received by the processor and this portion 2200 is processed according to a second bandwidth range 4200 to generate the second component 4202 of the second portion of the output video signal 4002. The first component 4201 of the second portion of the output video signal 4002 is retained from the first portion of the output video signal 4001. That is, component 4101 and 4201 display the same content, and both are generated from the first portion 2100 of the video signal. The second portion 2200 of the output video signal is used to update the display 8200.

The third portion 2300 of the video signal is processed according to the first bandwidth range 4300, the third portion of the output video signal 4003 includes the component 4301, which is generated from portion 2300. The second component 4302 of the third portion of the output video signal 4003 is the same as component 4202, and again, components 4302 and 4301 are generated from different portions of the video signal. The third portion 2300 of the output video signal is used to update the display 8300.

The fourth portion of the video signal 2400 is received by the processor and processed according to the second bandwidth range to generate the second component 4402 of the fourth portion of the output video signal 4004. The first component 4401 of the fourth component of the output video signal 4004 is the same as the first component 4301 of the third portion of the output video signal 4003. The fourth portion of the output video signal 4004 is used to update the display 8400. The process is repeated with each successive portion of the video signal being alternately processed according to the first or second bandwidth range. The previously processed portion is retained for the non-updated component. Therefore, if the portions 2100, 2200, 2300 and 2400 are received at 60 Hz, each component of the output video signal is updated at 30 Hz. Likewise, if there are three bandwidth selections, the portions are received at 60 Hz, and each of the three components of the output video signal is updated at 20 Hz.

Although FIG. 4 shows that the components are generated according to bandwidth ranges, it would be understood by one of skill in the art that the bandwidth ranges shown in the figures can be replaced with other signal modes. For example, the first and/or second components could be generated according to an edge enhancement signal processing mode and the second component can be generated according to a first bandwidth range. The system would alternately update the signal as referenced above, but with the different processing modes. The processing modes may be pre-set in some cases, and in others, the system can receive a selection of processing modes and characteristics of the processing modes. In the case of a false-color processing mode, the selection could first indicate a false-color mode and secondly indicate a particular bandwidth or selection of bandwidth ranges for use with the false-color mode.

FIG. 5 shows an example of two signals alternately updated for display. The first portion of the video signal 2100′ is processed according to a first bandwidth range 4100′, to generate a first portion 4101′ of the first signal 46. The second portion 4201′ of the first signal 46 is retained from the first portion 4101′ of the first signal 46. The third portion 4301′ of the first signal 46 is generated from the third portion 2300′ of the video signal and processed according to the first bandwidth range 4300′. The fourth portion 4401′ of the first signal 46 is retained from the third portion 4301′ of the first signal 46.

The first portion 4102′ of the second signal 50 as shown is generated from portion 0. Since portion 0 may not contain data, the first portion of the second signal may only have one of the display areas showing content. The second portion 4202′ of the second signal 50 is generated from the second portion 2200′ of the video signal and processed according to a second bandwidth range 4200′. The third portion 4302′ of the second signal 50 is retained from the second portion 4202′ of the second signal 50. The fourth portion 4402′ of the second signal 50 is generated from a fourth portion 2400′ of the video signal and processed according to the second bandwidth range 4400′.

As shown, the first portions of the respective signals are for display in display areas 8101′ and 8102′. The second, third and fourth portions of the respective signals are for updating the display 8202′, 8301′ and 8402′. The non-updated portion 8201′, 8302′ and 8401′ may be retained from the previously updated portion of the signal. The updating may repeat continuously during display according to the order shown.

Although FIG. 5 shows that the components are generated according to bandwidth ranges, it would be understood by one of skill in the art that the bandwidth ranges shown in the figures can be replaced with other signal modes. For example, the first and/or second signals could be generated according to an edge enhancement signal processing mode and the second component can be generated according to a first bandwidth range. The system would alternately update the signal as referenced above, but with the different processing modes. The processing modes may be pre-set in some cases, and in others the system can receive a selection of processing modes and characteristics of the processing modes. In the case of a false-color processing mode, the selection could first indicate a false-color mode and secondly indicate a particular bandwidth or selection of bandwidth ranges for use with the false-color mode.

The process is repeated with each successive portion of the video signal being alternately processed according to the first or second bandwidth range. The previously processed portion is retained for the non-updated component. Therefore, if the portions 2100′, 2200′, 2300′ and 2400′ are received at 60 Hz, the two signals 46′, 50′ are each updated at 30 Hz. Likewise, if there are three bandwidth selections, the portions are received at 60 Hz, and each of the three signals are updated at 20 Hz. The display updating is continuous according to the order shown, but other orders or patterns are contemplated.

As discussed previously, it is often desirable to process a signal with reduced red component to better visualize tissue structures. The video signal can be processed to reduce or enhance different color components. The system can also be adapted to process a video signal from a CMYG color sensor. In such a case, the relevant color components from the CMYG sensor can be reduced or enhanced depending on the desired filter characteristics.

The present system includes a computed virtual chromoendoscopy (CVC) system that provides for enhanced visibility between certain structures with different hemoglobin concentrations and to enhance visibility of surface structures to distinguish and classify types of tissue.

The present system uses a broadband white-light illumination (light source), and endoscope optics and video sensors, and a Camera Control Unit (CCU) having a processor or a Modular Camera Control Unit having a processor. The control unit is capable of a full color conversion calculation using software-based image processing. A Red-Green-Blue (RGB) color image sensor can be used. The image processor utilizes matrices that transform acquired color channels into a false-color image in order to display relevant tissue features more clearly. The color channels may be, for example, CCD or CMOS. Primarily, blue and green spectral wavelength regions are utilized, while the red spectral wavelength region is suppressed or attenuated. CMYG sensors can also be used to capture the video signal. Likewise, the relevant components from the CMYG sensor can be enhanced, reduced or otherwise modified according to the desired filter.

In the present system, the settings in the color conversion can be chosen so that: a normal white-light image rendering (with natural colors) is obtained, or a false-color image rendering is obtained, in particular, where the signals from the blue and green input channels are essentially used to generate the output image, while the signal from the red color channel is strongly suppressed. The system provides one or more different filter options for obtaining a false-color image. Each filter may produce a different intensity of the false-color scheme for assisting the practitioner in imaging the tissue of interest.

One example of the color transformation coefficient matrices used for the present filter modes are as follows, with the coefficients represented by letters a-i, and SPIE representing the transformed or false-color image:

${\begin{bmatrix} r \\ g \\ b \end{bmatrix}{SPIE}} = {{\begin{bmatrix} a & b & c \\ d & e & f \\ g & h & i \end{bmatrix} \times \begin{bmatrix} R \\ G \\ B \end{bmatrix}} = \begin{bmatrix} {aR} & {+ {bG}} & {cB} \\ {dR} & {eG} & {fB} \\ {gR} & {hG} & {iB} \end{bmatrix}}$

In one example, the filter coefficients may be as follows:

${\begin{bmatrix} r \\ g \\ b \end{bmatrix}{SPIEs}} = {{\begin{bmatrix} {- 0.0409} & 1.3204 & {- 0.3128} \\ {- 0.0409} & 0.1836 & 1.0032 \\ {- 0.0409} & 0.0324 & 1.0088 \end{bmatrix} \times \begin{bmatrix} R \\ G \\ B \end{bmatrix}} = {\quad\begin{bmatrix} {{- 0.0409}R} & {{+ 1.3204}G} & {{- 0.3128}B} \\ {{- 0.0409}R} & {{+ 0.1836}G} & {{+ 1.0032}B} \\ {{- 0.0409}R} & {{+ 0.0324}G} & {{+ 1.0088}B} \end{bmatrix}}}$

The present system is implemented with matrix multiplication in a color space where luminance and chrominance are combined. In this design, the input color signal is a combined RGB signal. The output is a RGB signal, which may have been color converted to a false-color image rendering. Other filter coefficients are contemplated and the example above should not be seen as limiting.

Although aspects of the present system have been described with reference to a reduced red component, the video signal may be processed for reduced blue, green or other components. In this case, the above example of the filter coefficients, reduced blue or green component would require different filter characteristics. The same holds true for a CMYG sensor or any other type of sensor in that the filter can be selected to modify the image to show desired characteristics.

As discussed previously, many signal processing display modes are contemplated with the present system. The signal processing modes modify the incoming image signal so that a modified image signal can be displayed. Some of these include switching between a normal white-light image or a computed mode image on a singular display; displaying both the normal white-light image and the computed mode image side-by-side on a singular display; a picture-in-picture display featuring both the normal white-light image and the computed mode image; and displaying the normal white-light image and the computed mode image on two separate displays. Further, switching from white-light image rendering to computed mode may not require additional white balance. The system can also update various other types of signal processing modes for display. The types of signal processing modes can include, for example, false or enhanced color, edge enhancement, texture enhancement, sharpness adjustment, and fiber image bundle. The fiber image bundle may remove a honeycomb mosaic resulting from different optical fiber bundles. This list should not be seen as exhaustive as other signal processing modes can be used to modify the incoming signal or portion of a signal for display.

Edge enhancement may include a signal processing technique that recognizes certain tissue structures based on their reaction to the light source. The edge enhancement technique would therefore modify the signal based on a computation that would identify the location of an edge of a particular tissue structure or type of tissue structure. This may help a physician identify the tissue structure.

In the present system, the white light and computed images are processed by alternating portions of the video image. It is also contemplated that different types of computed images may be used where appropriate, and the computed images may be processed according to a signal processing mode. In some cases, it may be desirable to have all displays showing computed images of different types. It is also contemplated that different color enhancements can be used, for example, red, blue and green components can all be attenuated, enhanced or suppressed to create different false-color images. As an example, the first captured portion is processed to display a first white light image. The second captured portion is processed to display a first computed image. The third captured portion is processed to update the white light image. The fourth captured portion is processed to update the computed image, and so on. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the first white light image may be replaced with a second computed image. It is also contemplated that more than two processing modes can be displayed and alternately updated. For example, a first portion is processed to display a first computed image, a second portion processed to display a second computed image, a third portion processed to display a third computed image and a fourth portion processed to display the first computed image, with the pattern repeating as additional portions are processed for display. It is also understood that different bandwidth selections within a false or enhanced color mode can be considered different signal processing modes. For example, a first signal processing mode could be a white light or wide band mode and a second processing mode could be a reduced-red light or narrow band mode. These examples provided are not intended to be limiting as other combinations and updating patterns can be used to display the computed image(s). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical imaging system comprising a signal processor operable or configured to: receive an incoming signal, the incoming signal including a plurality of images arranged in a sequence, each of the plurality of images having a plurality of color channels; alternately process, between a first signal processing mode and a second signal processing mode, sequential images of the plurality of images, thereby alternately generating first images according to the first signal processing mode and second images according to the second signal processing mode, wherein the first images are generated according to a first spectral bandwidth and the second images are generated according to a second spectral bandwidth, the first spectral bandwidth differing from the second spectral bandwidth; and alternately update an output signal with the first images and the second images.
 2. The medical imaging system of claim 1 wherein the first images comprise white light image signals and the second images comprise computed image signals.
 3. The medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the incoming signal is a video signal and the signal processor operable or configured to alternately update the output signal with the first images and the second images is operable or configured to update an output video signal with the first images at a first rate and update the output video signal with the second images at the first rate, wherein the first rate is half of the frame rate of the video signal.
 4. The medical imaging system of claim 1, further comprising at least one monitor for displaying the output signal, the system configured such that one of the first images is displayed in a first display area at the same time as one of the second images is displayed in a second display area.
 5. The medical imaging system of claim 4 wherein the first and second display areas are on a single monitor.
 6. The medical imaging system of claim 1 further comprising: an interface; wherein selection of at least one of the first and second signal processing modes is received by a user through the interface.
 7. The medical imaging system of claim 1 further comprising: a signal processor operable or configured to: receive an another incoming video signal including an another plurality of images arranged in a sequence, each of the another plurality of images having a plurality of color channels; alternately process sequential images of the another plurality of images, thereby alternately generating third images according to a third signal processing mode and fourth images according to a fourth signal processing mode; and alternately update an another output signal with the third images and the fourth images.
 8. The medical imaging system of claim 7 wherein: one of the first images is displayed in a first display area; one of the second images is displayed in a second display area; one of the third images is displayed in a third display area; one of the fourth images is displayed in a fourth display area; the first and third display areas are displayed on a first monitor; and the second and fourth display areas are displayed on a second monitor.
 9. The medical imaging system of claim 7 wherein the first and third signal processing modes comprise the same signal processing mode.
 10. The medical imaging system of claim 7 wherein the output signal and the another output signal are combined into a single signal.
 11. The medical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the incoming signal is a processed video signal and the medical imaging system further comprises: at least one input module receiving at least one video signal and processing the at least one video signal into the processed video signal; wherein the signal processor is in a control module that receives the processed video signal from the at least one input module.
 12. The medical imaging system of claim 11 wherein one of the first images is displayed in a first display area and one of the second images is displayed in a second display area.
 13. A medical imaging method comprising: receiving an incoming signal, the incoming signal including a plurality of images arranged in a sequence, each of the plurality of images having a plurality of color channels; alternately processing, between a first signal processing mode and a second signal processing mode, sequential images of the plurality of images, thereby alternately generating first images according to the first signal processing mode and second images according to the second signal processing mode; and alternately updating an output signal with the first images and the second images.
 14. The medical imaging method of claim 13 further comprising displaying one of the first images at the same time as one of the second images.
 15. The medical imaging method of claim 14, wherein receiving the incoming signal comprises receiving an incoming video signal, and alternately updating the output signal with the first images and the second images comprises updating the output signal with the first images at a first rate and updating the output signal with the second images at the first rate, wherein the first rate is half of the frame rate of the incoming video signal.
 16. The medical imaging method of claim 14 wherein the one of the first images is displayed in a first display area and the one of the second images is displayed in a second display area.
 17. The medical imaging method of claim 13 wherein the first and second signal processing modes include at least one of bandwidth, enhanced color, edge enhancement, texture enhancement, and sharpness adjustment.
 18. A signal processor operable or configured to: receive an incoming signal, the incoming signal including a plurality of images arranged in a sequence, each of the plurality of images having a plurality of color channels; alternately process, between a first signal processing mode and a second signal processing mode, sequential images of the plurality of images, thereby alternately generating first images according to the first signal processing mode and second images according to the second signal processing mode, wherein the first images are generated according to a first spectral bandwidth and the second images are generated according to a second spectral bandwidth, the first spectral bandwidth differing from the second spectral bandwidth; and alternately update an output signal with the first images and the second images.
 19. The signal processor of claim 18 wherein the first images comprise white light image signals and the second images comprise computed image signals.
 20. The signal processor of claim 18, wherein the incoming signal is a video signal and the signal processor operable or configured to alternately update the output signal with the first images and the second images is operable or configured to update the output signal with the first images at a first rate and update the output signal with the second images at the first rate, wherein the first rate is half of the frame rate of the video signal. 